As British Summertime draws to an end, recent research has revealed that when the clocks go back the crime rate goes up.
The study, conducted by the insurer Aviva with 16 police forces across the UK, found that the week from 30th October to 5th November last year saw an average increase in reported burglaries of 26% compared with the weekly average for the rest of the year.
The highest increase was in Strathclyde, where police saw an increase of 57% in reported burglaries for that week compared with their weekly average for the rest of the year. This is supported by ten years of Aviva claims data which shows a 28% increase in burglary claims on Bonfire Night, making it the worst night of the year for break-ins.
Halloween also presents a threat to homeowners as tricks take a more sinister turn. Ten years of Aviva claims data shows a rise of 150% in malicious damage claims to the home with damage to cars rising by 50% and car thefts also increasing by 20%.
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